Chemical Properties
Bright-yellow powder, becoming greenish on exposure to light due to decomposition into
metallic mercury and mercuric iodide. Becomes
dark yellow, orange, and orange-red on heating.
Undergoes same color change in opposite order
on cooling. Odorless and tas
Uses
Medicine (topical antibacterial).
Hazard
Toxic by ingestion, inhalation, and skin
absorption.
Safety Profile
Poison by ingestion and
intraperitoneal routes. When heated to
decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of
Hg and I-. See also MERCURY and
IODIDES.
